Staying Safe In The Cold

With wind chills expected to be in the -20° to -30° range tonight, exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as 20-30 minutes. Another brutal cold snap next week will bring a renewed threat for things like frostbite and hypothermia, so it's important to know how to stay safe in this dangerously cold weather.

1) Dress Correctly - Instead of wearing a few thick layers, wear several layers of thinner clothing. Try wearing mittens instead of gloves, which are more effective at keeping your hands warm. Avoid having any exposed skin and periodically check yourself for warning signs of frostbite or hypothermia if you're outside for a prolonged amount of time.

2) Avoid Moisture - Water can be deadly in this type of cold. Clothing loses 90% of its insulating value if it gets wet. Try to keep an extra pair of things like socks and mittens on you, just in case you have to switch out wet garments for dry ones.

3) Avoid Bad Habits - Believe it or not, what you put in your body can actually increase the threat of things like frostbite. If you know you're going out, avoid things like alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. These things can either speed up the frostbite process or mask the warning signs.

Once again, tonight won't be the only night of extreme cold. We are looking at a period between Sunday night and Wednesday morning where actual temperatures will not warm above 0°. Use this time to prepare for the worst of the cold so you stay safe when it hits. -BA